IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


1.1 


11.25 


Li|2j8    125 
itt  m   |2.2 

S    JUS.    12.0 

■■■ 

■IMU 

1.4    il.6 


6" 


J" 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


i4. 


v 


^ 


:\ 


\ 


23  WBT  MAIN  STRKT 

WIBSTER,N.Y.  145S0 

(716)  •72-4503 


^^    ^\  ^c\\ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICIVIH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  InstltuM  for  Hlitorical  Microraproductiona  /  Inatitut  Canadian  da  microraproductlona  historiquaa 


Tachnical  and  Bibliographic  Notaa/Notas  tachniquaa  at  bibliographiquaa 


Tha  inatituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  avaiiabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographioally  uniqua. 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction.  or  which  may  aignificantly  ehanga 
tha  uaual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


0Colourad  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I     I    Covars  damagad/ 


□ 


n 


D 
D 


Q 


Couvartura  andommagAa 


Covars  rastorad  and/or  iaminatad/ 
Couvartura  rastaurte  at/ou  paiiiculAa 


I — I   Covar  titia  missing/ 


La  titra  da  couvartura  manqua 


QColourad  maps/ 
Cartas  g6ographiques  an  coulaur 


Colourad  inic  (i.a.  othar  than  blua  or  black)/ 
Encra  da  coulaur  (i.a.  autra  qua  bleua  ou  noira) 


|~n   Colourad  platas  and/or  illustrationa/ 


Pianchaa  at/ou  illuatrationa  en  coulaur 

Bound  with  othar  matariai/ 
RaliA  avac  d'autras  documants 

Tight  binding  may  cauaa  ahadowa  or  distortion 
along  intarior  margin/ 

La  re  liura  sarrie  paut  cauaar  da  I'ombra  ou  da  la 
distortion  la  long  da  la  marga  intAriaura 

Blank  laavas  added  during  restoration  may 
appaar  within  the  text.  Whenever  poaaibia,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  sa  paut  qua  cartsfnaa  pagas  blanches  ajouttos 
lors  d'une  restauratiun  apparaissant  dans  la  taxta. 
mais,  lorsqua  cela  itait  possibia,  cas  pagas  n'ont 
pas  €t6  filmAes. 


L'Institut  a  microfllmA  la  mailleur  exemplaira 
qu'il  lui  a  At*  poaaibia  da  sa  procurer.  Les  details 
da  cat  exemplaira  qui  sont  paut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vua  bibliographiqua,  qui  pauvent  modifier 
una  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dana  la  mAthoda  normaia  da  filmaga 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


Thai 
toth 


D 
D 
0 
0 
D 
0 
D 
D 
D 
D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pagaa  da  coulaur 

Pagas  damaged/ 
Pagas  andommagAas 

Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pagas  restaurAas  at/ou  peiliculAes 

Pagaa  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dAcolorAes,  tachetAes  ou  piquAes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  dAtachAas 

Showthrough/ 
Tranaparanca 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
QualitA  inAgala  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplamentary  material/ 
Comprond  du  matArial  supplAmentaira 

Only  adition  available/ 
Saula  Adition  disponible 

Pagas  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissuas,  ate,  have  baen  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pagas  totalament  ou  partieilament 
obscurcies  par  un  fauillat  d'errata,  une  pelure. 
etc.,  ont  At  A  filmAas  A  nouveau  do  fapon  t 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


The  I 
poss 
ofth 
filmi 


Origl 
bagii 
thai 
sion, 
otha 
firat 
aion, 
or  ill 


Tha 
ahall 
TINl 
whic 

Map 
diffa 
antir 
bagii 
right 
requ 
metl 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentalres  supplAmentairas; 


This  itam  is  filmed  at  tha  reduction  ratio  chocked  balow/ 

Ce  document  est  filmA  au  taux  da  rAduction  indiquA  ci-daasous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

32X 

2BX 

aox 

v/ 

3 

12X 


16X 


aox 


a4x 


28X 


32X 


^^w 


.\,V; 


^%. 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«r«  hM  b««n  r«producMl  thanks 
to  tho  OMiorotity  of: 

Library  of  the  Public 
Archivot  of  Canada 


L'axamplaira  film*  fut  raprodult  griea  k  la 
OAnArosM  da: 

La  bibliothAque  das  Archivas 
publiquas  du  Canada 


Tha  Images  appearing  here  are  the  beat  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  end  legibility 
of  the  origlnei  copy  end  In  keeping  with  the 
filming  contrect  speciflcetions. 


Origlnei  copies  In  printed  peper  covers  ere  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  end  ending  on 
the  lest  page  with  e  printed  or  Illustrated  Impres- 
sion, or  the  beck  cover  when  eppropriete.  All 
other  origlnei  copies  ere  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  iiiuatrated  imprea- 
alon,  and  ending  on  the  ieat  page  with  a  printed 
or  iiiustreted  impression. 


The  last  recorded  freme  on  each  microfiche 
ahaii  contain  the  symbol  — »>  (meening  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  ▼  (meening  "END"), 
whichever  epplies. 


Les  imagea  sulvantes  ont  4tA  reproduites  svec  le 
plus  grend  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettetA  de  I'exempleire  fiimA,  et  en 
conformity  avac  les  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmage. 

Les  exempieires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  eat  ImprimAa  sent  filmto  en  commandant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impreaalon  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plet,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autras  exempieires 
origlneux  sent  filmte  en  commenpent  par  la 
pramlAre  pege  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustretion  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  dee  symbolas  suivsnts  spparaftra  sur  la 
darnlAre  Imege  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
ces:  le  symbols  — ^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE '.  le 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


Meps,  pistes,  cherts,  etc.,  mey  be  filmed  et 
different  reduction  retlos.  Those  too  lerge  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  expoeure  ere  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hend  corner,  left  to 
right  end  top  to  bottom,  es  meny  fremes  ee 
required.  The  following  diagrams  iiiuatrate  the 
method: 


Les  certes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmte  A  dee  teux  de  reduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seui  ciichA,  II  est  film*  A  pertir 
de  i'engle  supArleur  geuche,  de  geuche  A  droite, 
et  de  heut  en  bes,  sn  prenant  la  nombre 
d'imeges  nicssselre.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
lilustrsnt  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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gototli  lB%1ith  itJtet,  Phii>dBl|i»iia,on  the  iMlowing;  ternik»H^^ : 

A'^''^  <^'^^^^^^  ailovcd  to  those  who  purchsM  bf  th«  (jt^flbwV^ 

%  |:he  poftioffice  reguWfloifRf  the  Map  «a}4  DetcH|ptle%  irh«i 

|titcKe4  together,  ctn  be  seat  %  ipM^I  ti>  afit  IPTit  of  (Hm  unit^ 


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":-^t-:'  *•»  '■'rmir^' 


A  DESCRIPTION 


Of   THE 


BRITISH  POSSESSIONS 


IK 


NORTH  AMERICA, 


I 

Mr:  PINKERTON  remarks,  that  "those  parts  of  North 
America  which  still  belong  to  Britain  are  extensive  and  of  con^ 
siderable  importance,  though  to  thinly  peopled,  and  in  such  a  dh' 
advantageous  climate,  that  they  unk  into  insignificance  when  com* 
pared  with  the  great  and  flourishing  territories  of  the  United 
States." 

The  British  lay  claiir.  to  a  vast  extent  of  territory,  comprehend- 
ing from  the  boundary  of  the  United  States  tc  the  north  pole,  and 
across  the  continent  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific  Ocean ;  but 
as  there  are  no  settlements  except  those  bordering  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence, it  is  unnecessaiy  to  take  a  view  of  any  other  than  those  near 
that  river,  comprehending  Upper  and  Lower  Canada,  New  Bruns- 
wick,  Nova  Scotia,  C  pe  Breton,  and  Newfoundland.  The  most 
important  of  these  are  the  Canadas,  and  of  these  Upper  Canada  is 
an  object  of  the  greatest  importance  to  the  United  States,  on  ac- 
count  of  the  great  extent  to  which  it  stretches  along  the  American 
territory. 

Upper  Canada  extends  from  Lower  Canada  to  the  Lak,e  of 
Winnipeg,  in  long.  97**,  and  comprehends  an  immense  extent  and 
variety  of  territory,  of  which  tliat  portion  stretching  between  the 
great  lakes,  and  along  the  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  is  the  best ; 
ind,  taken  as  a  whole,  it  is  superior  to  any  other  part  of  the  Biicisjbi 
;i|j^ssiofis  Ml  North  America.  •■    % 


I 


■^f" 


Tht  tettlemcnts  art  chiefly  confined  to  th«  banks  of  the  river* 
and  lakes,  and  present  a  most  extensive,  and  in  some  places  a 
thickly  settled  frontier  to  the  United  States.  About  JOO  miles  of 
the  province  border  on  the  rivers  and  lakes  opposite  the  Michi^n 
territory;  150  on  Lake  Erie  opposite  the  state  of  Ohio;  45  opposite 
the  state  of  Pennsylvania;  and  380  on  the  state  of  New  York. 

The  inhabitants  are  composed  of  French,  English,  and  Scottish, 
and  a  great  many  have  emigrated  from  the  United  States  within 
these  last  20  years,  principally  of  Dutch  and  German  extraction. 
The  whole  inhabitants  may  be  estimated  at  80,000;  and  as  the 
district  along  the  lakes  enjoys  a  pretty  mild  climate  and  good  soil, 
they  are  likely  to  encreasCr 

York,  the  capital,  is  situated  on  the  north>west  side  of  Lake 
Ontario,  40  miles  by  water  from  the  outlet  of  the  Niagara  river, 
and  100  by  land.  It  was  luid  out  in  179 1 ,  and  has  had  a  pretty  rapid 
growth  within  the  last  10  years;  it  now  contains  a  good  many 
frame  houses,  some  of  which  display  considerable  taste.  York 
harbour  is  formed  by  a  long  narrow  peninsula,  calleU  Gibraltar 
point,  which  secures  it  from  storms,  and  renders  it  one  of  the  safest 
on  the  lake. 

J^etjark  is  situated  at  the  outlet  of  the  Niagara  river,  and 
extends  about  a  mile  along  the  south  bank  of  Lake  Ontario.  It 
contains  about  500  inhabitaiits,  and  many  of  the  buildings  are  hand- 
some,  being  composed  of  brick  and  stone.  It  has  2  churches,  a 
jail,  and  academy ;  6  taverns,  and  about  20  dry-good  stores,  where 
every  article  can  be  got  on  as  good  terms  as  in  Montreal. 

Fort  George  is  situated  at  the  upper  end  of  Newark,  on  the  bank 
of  the  river,  and  is  generally  garrisoned  with  500  men. 

Queenstovn  i^  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  Niagara  river,  8 
Tuiles  above  Newark,  and  contains  about  300  inhabitants.  It  is 
regularly  laid  out,  and  many  of  the  houses  are  handsome.  There 
are  in  the  town  6  stores,  and  the  merchants  carry  on  a  very  exten- 
sive trade  along  the  river  and  lakes. 

ChififtavKiy  is  a  small  village  containing  about  30  houses,  and  is 
situated  on  both  sides  of  Chippaway  creek,  where  it  empties  into 
Niagara  river,  10  miles  and  a  half  above  Queenstown,  and  two  miles 
^  a  hglf  above  the  fi^ls  of  Niagara.    It  has  a  considerable  retaU 


4' 


:-\ 


H' 


trade,  and  i»  a  depot  fur  the  lur  trade  of  Upper  Canada.  There 
arts  barracks  on  the  banks  of  the  creek  at  this  place,  and  a  company 
<»f  regular  troops  is  generally  stationed  here. 

Fort  Erie  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  north  bank  of  Lake  Krid, 
at  the  east  end,  nearly  opposite  to  Buffalo,  and  12  miles  above  Black 
rock.  It  is  a  pretty  strong  stockade  fort,  and  is  generally  garrison- 
ed by  200  or  300  regular  troops. 

Maiden  is  situated  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Erie,  about  350  miles 
from  Fort  Erie.  It  contains  about  100  houses,  and  carries  on  a  con-, 
siderable  trade,  principally  in  furs,  with  the  Indian  tribes.  There 
is  a  stockade  fort  in  its  neighbourhood,  which  is  garrisoned  with 
300  or  400  troops.  In  ordinary  times  a  regiment  of  reguL"  troops 
is  distributed  between  this  fort,  and  those  already  noticed. 

Sandwich  is  a  small  town  opposite  Detroit,  and  is  a  station  for  the 
shipping  bound  to  and  from  the  upper  lakes.  There  are  no  towns 
above  this,  nor  in  the  interior,  worthy  of  notice.  | 

Kingtton  is  situated  at  the  head  of  St.  Lawrence  ri? er,  opposite 
Wolf  Island,  and  has  a  most  beautiful  view  of  Lake  Ontario  to  the 
south  and  west,  and  of  the  river  and  Thouaand  ItUt  in  front.  It  was 
laid  out  in  1 784,  and  is  now  a  place  of  considerable  size,  and  of  great 
and  encreasing  trade.  It  has  an  excellent  harbour,  which  is  the 
station  of  the  king's  shipping  of  Lake  Ontario  during  the  winter.  It 
is  a  military  station,  and  has  barracks,  garrisoned  with  a  considera« 
ble  number  of  troops. 

Ihat  part  of  the  province  which  stretches  between  the  lakes, 
lying  between  the  42  d  and  45  th  degree  of  north  latitude,  is  by  for 
the  most  valuable,  and  enjoys  a  comparatively  temperate  climate, 
the  wipters  being  generally  more  mild  than  at  Philadelphia.  T'r 
banks  of  Lake  Erie  and  of  the  Niagara  river  between  Lake  £r.o 
and  Lake  Ontario  are  beautiful,  and  will  in  all  probability  become  a 
thickly-settled  country,  to  which,  and  to  the  adjoining  states,  the 
inhabitants  of  the  lower  provinces  will  be  chiefly  indebted  for  their 
trade. 

Agriculture  is  pretty  well  understood,  and  the  produce  is  abun- 
dant.  A  good  deal  of  domestic  manufacture  is  carried  on,  and 
there  are  some  carding  machines,  and  a  few  coarse  woollens  made; 
but  they  are  not  encouraged,  the  genius  of  the  government  being  di> 
t^ctcA  %Q  secure  as  many  importations  as  possible  from  England. 


hi 

/I 

ill 


',^t^ 


The  French,  tnd  it  mty  be  tddcd  the  Dutch,  settled  he**,  arc  v*i^ 
ignorant,  and  set  little  value  upon  education.  Intelligence  Is  chiefly 
confined  to  the  Britisii  merchants,  and  settlers  from  the  United 
States.  There  arc  a  number  of  schools,  but  they  are  not  adapted 
to  the  tnaat  of  the  people,  nor  dots  the  genius  of  the  leading  men 
■eem  directed  to  the  laudable  object  of  the  general  dissemination  of 
information.  There  is  a  considerable  desire  to  monopolize  know- 
ledge, as  well  as  riches  aiul  power,  and  the  aristocracy,  being  backed 
by  the  military,  have  more  power  here  probably  than  in  England. 
The  laws  a/i/itdr  fair  and  equal,  but  there  is  a  great  deal  of  under- 
hand management  and  intrigue,  and  neither  independence  of  senti- 
ment, nor  freedom  of  speech  or  of  the  press,  are  encouraged,  indeed 
they  are  hardly  tolerated;  while  many  of  the  military  officers  are 
haughty  and  overbearing  in  the  highest  degree. 

LowBR  Canada  is  situated  upon  both  sides  of  the  St.  L>awrence 
river,  and  extends  from  N.  lat.  45"  to  52";  and  from  W.  long.  61* 
to  74<>  30'.  Its  greatest  length  from  east  to  west  is  about  670 
miles,  and  breadth  from  north  to  south  about  486.  The  division  line 
between  Upper  and  Lower  Canada  commences  at  a  atone  boundary 
on  the  north  bank  of  the  Lake  St.  Francis,  and  pursues  a  northerly 
course  to  the  Outawas  river ;  it  thence  ascends  that  river  (o  the 
head  of  Lake  Temiskaming,  and  then  proceeds  due  nortli  till  it  strikes 
the  southelYi  boutidat7  of  New  Britain,  in  latitude  'i2*.  70  miles  of 
this  province  border  on  New  York,  90  on  Vermont,  30  on  New 
Hampshire,  and  245  on  the  district  of  Maiiie. 

l^he  face  of  the  country  is  rather  hilly,  and  in  some  places  meun- 
t^oua,  but  it  contains  a  great  deal  of  good  soil,  producing  grain, 
and  grasft  in  abundance ;  and  a  little  tobacco  is  raised  for  private 
«se.  The  settlements  are  mostly  confined  to  the  banks  of  the  riven, 
{md  the  greater  part  of  the  interior  of  the  counti7  is  covered  with 
forests ;  but,  except  in  the  meadows,  the  trees  are  generally  of  small 
|;rowih. 

The  (:liraate  is  very  severe,  and  the  heat  and  cold  go  to  great  cx- 
tfi^met^.  The  thermometer  rises  sometimes  in  summer  to  98*,  and 
in  winter  the  mercury  freezes.  The  winter  sets  in  early  in  Novem- 
ber, and  continues  till  April,  during  which  the  ground  is  entirely 
eovered  with  &now,  often  from  4  to  6  feet  deep.  In  January  aUd 
February  the  frost  is  so  intense,  that  there  is  danger  of  being  CrotltK 


1 


I 


;<":■*" 


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If- 


bitten,  and  to  gu»r4  Against  it  the  inhabitants  covtr  the  whole  body 
with  furs,  ejKcopt  the  eyes  and  nose. 

The  population  is  computed  at  about  150,000:  and  they  carry  on 
a  very  coosidci'able  commerce,  vrlUch  chicHy  centres  in  the  two  great 
Canadian  towns,  Quebec  and  Montreal. 

QuitPKo  is  the  capit«l,  and  stands  on  a  point  of  land  on  the  north- 
iveat  side  of  the  St.  Lawriunco,  3'iQ  piiles  from  the  sea,  in  north  lat. 
46*>  48'.  It  is  60  miles  distant  fitun  the  nearest  point  of  the  United 
Stages  in  the  distrM  of  Maine — 170  from  Montreal — 846  from  Platts- 
bur(;--418  from  Albany,  and  796  from  Halifax.*— The  town  in  di- 
vided into  Mppe^'  and  lower.  The  upper  town  stands  on  a  high 
limestone  ropk,  of  great  natural  atreogth,  and  is  well  fortified.  The 
Jouer  tuwn  U  aiiuated  upon  low  land,  at  the  foot  of  the  rock.  The 
streets  ai'c  irregular,  narrow,  and  unpaved.  The  houses  are  almost 
wholly  bulk  of  stone,  and  are  small,  u(j:ly,  and  inconvenient.  The 
ibrtiiscatiQns  are  extensive,  Init  irregular.  A  large  garrison  is  main- 
laincd,  but  5000  soldiers  would  bo  necessary  to  man  the  works^. 
The  flMuilation  has  been  variously  represented,  some  estimates 
bcjng.flPhigh  as  16,000,  and  others  little  more  than  half  that  num- 
ber. Wl«  probable  that  th«;y  may  amount  to  about  18,000.  About 
two  thirds  of  the  iuhubttants  are  of  Friench  extraction,  and  they  ate 
represented  as  gay  aiid  lively.  The  markets  are  well  supplied  with 
provisions.  TM^  surrounding  coiUftT  abounds  with  \ery  beautiful 
scenery,  and  tlte  banjis  of  the  river  between  Quebec  and  Montreal 
are  lined  with  neat  counti7  seats,  a^  flourishing  fiu'ms.  The  river 
is  about  a  milu  wide  opposite  Quebec ;  but  a  little  below  it  widens 
PDttp  10  or  12  miles,  and  contim^s  increaspig  to  the  gulph  of  $t« 
Lawrence,  yrherc  it  is  170  miks  wide.  It  is  navigable  to  Queheic 
with  ships  of  tlie  greatest  burtlveo,  and  opposite  the  town  there  is 
a  commodious  basin  from  30  to  35  tathoms  deep. 

Moutrgal  stands  on  the  eas^iU;  pf  an  island  in  the  river  St  I^aw* 
rence,  170  miles  above  QuoW^^mO  miles  fitun  the  sea,  40  from 
the  nearest  land  in  the  United  States,  66  from  Plattsburg,  300  from 
J^e  Ontario,  and  338  from  Ailiany.  The  itdand  oo  which  it  stands 
is  about  28  miles  long,  and  7  or  8  broad.  In  the  middle  of  it  there 
is  a  mountain  which  the  French  called  Mont^ealy  which  name  has 
been  transferred  to  the  city  and  island. 

The  city  forms  an  oblong  square,  divided  into  regular  streets,  an<) 

•  Morse. 


fl 


t   tl 


,^jf 


I 

sunouiided  by  a  wall.  The  hoiitca  arc  aituated  od  the  hide  of  u  hill, 
HO  tliat  the  ((leatcr  part  cf  thorn  may  be  nccn  at  one  view  from  the 
river;  but  many  of  them  being  very  badly  built,  the  view  ia  nut  vei7 
beautiful.  The  nunilH-r  of  inhabitanin  ha5  been  by  «ome  late  at  - 
counta  rcprcHcnted  at  I  »*»,()()(),  by  othvra  not  more  than  600<).  They 
probably  amount  to  I0,0U0;  and  a»  the  land  in  the  nciK;hl)ourhood  ia 
fertile,  .md  the  trade  on  the  lakea  daily  increasing,  Montreal  is 
likely  to  t)ccome  a  vet7  lai*Ke  city.  It  ia  situated  at  the  head  of 
ship  navigation;  but  the  river  is  navigable  in  smaller  vcnsels  to  Lake 
Ontario.    The  river  is  at  this  place  three  miles  broad. 

Troia  Rivieren  is  aituated  on  the  north  side  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
50  miles  south-west  of  Quebec.  It  contains  but  few  iniinbitants,  but 
is  advantageously  situated  for  the  fur  trade,  of  which  it  has  a  large 
share,  particularly  that  part  of  it  which  flows  into  the  St.  LawrcncQ 
through  the  tncdium  of  the  river  St.  Maurice.  The  inhabitants  are 
generally  wealthy,  and  the  country  round  is  rich  and  well  cuN 
tivated.  ,0 

There  are  no  other  towns  of  any  importance.  |M| 

A  very  considerable  portion  of  the  trade  of  the  river,  ano^  these 
towns,  is  derived  from  Upper  Canada  and  the  northern  part  of  the 
United  States ;  and  the  exports,  consisting  chiefly  of  grain,  flour,  pro- 
visions, potash,  timber,  navul  stores,  furs,  tec.  have  of  late  been  very 
great.  The  imports  are  chiefly  British  goods,  with  which,  before 
the  war,  the  inhabitants  contrived  to  supply  a  considerable  part  of 
the  United  States,  by  tmuggUng. 

The  state  of  society  admits  of  much  improvement.  Mr.  Pinker- 
ton  says*  *'  the  French  women  in  Canada  can  generally  read  and 
write,  and  are  thus  superior  to  the  men,  but  both  ara  sunk  in  igno> 
ranee  and  superstition;  and  the  English  language  is  confined  to  the 
few  British  settlers." 

New  Bkvnswiok  extends  fromglfova  Scotia  to  Lower  Canada, 
and  from  the  gulph  of  St.  LawrciMW)  the  district  of  Maine,  being 
alxnit  300  miles  long  and  130  broad.  This  province  being  united 
with  Nova  Scotb,  Cape  Breton,  and  St.  John's,  in  one  military  com- 
niandf  subject  to  the  governor  of  Upper  Canada,  it  excites  no  great 
attention  either  in  a  civil  or  military  point  of  view.  The  soil  and  cli- 
mate are  somewhat  assimilated  to  those  of  the  district  of  Maine  conti- 
guous to  it.    There  are  a  number  of  very  extensive  rivers  in  the  inte 


r 


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rior,  of  which  St.  John'*  it  the  chief;  and  the  toil  it  repretented  mt 
bring  fertile,  producing  grain  and  great  in  plenty.  The  inhabitanu 
pi-obMbljr  amount  to  about  45|000.  St.  Andrew's  end  St.  Jolui't  are 
the  only  towns  worth  notice. 

Nova  Sootia  is  a  large  peninsula,  extending  from  New  Bruni* 
wick  to  the  AtUntic,  and  is  about  350  milct  long  by  1 10  broad.  The 
country  along  titc  coast  is  rugged  and  ttony,  but  there  are  some 
good  spots  of  land  in  the  interior;  and  there  are  valuable  mines  of 
cottl,  limestone,  plsster  of  Paris,  and  iron  ore.  The  climate  is  prettjr 
similar  to  New  Brunswick,  but  being  farther  south,  the  winters  are 
more  mild*  though  the  vicinity  to  the  benks  of  Newfoundland  causes 
it  to  be  much  exposed  to  logs.  The  province  is  settled  by  Frenchf 
New  Englanders,  and  British  people ;  but,  except  the  sea-board,  the 
nettlements  are  very  thin,  the  whole  population  probably  not  ex- 
ceeding 40,000. 

HALirAx  is  the  capital,  and  is  advantageously  situated  on  the 
west  side  of  a  specious  and  commodious  harbour,  having  an  easy 
and  safe  entrance.  It  is  built  en  the  declivity  of  a  hiil,  the  summit 
of  which  is  about  330  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  and  is  laid  out 
into  squares,  the  streets  crossing  one  another  at  right  anglee.  It 
contains  about  1000  houses  and  8000  inhabitants.  The  country 
round  the  town  is  quite  sterile,  the  land  being  rocky,  and  the  soil 
generally  unfit  for  cultivation ;  but  its  convenience  as  a  port  causes 
it  to  he  pretty  well  supplied  with  provisions.  It  is  occupied  by  the 
British  as  a  naval  station,  which  renders  it  an  object  of  great  impor- 
tance  to  the  United  States.  ^fll 

Liverfiooi  is  built  on  Liverpool  bay,  and  iapMomroercial  settle- 
ment of  very  considerable  importance,  contaMing  about  300  houses 
and  1000  inhabitants,  the  greater  part  of  whom  are  from  the  United 
States. 

The  other  principal  towns  are  Annapolis,  which  has  of  late  car* 
ried  on  a  great  trade  with  Eastport  in  the  district  of  Maine,  Onslow, 
Truro,  Windsor,  Yarmouth,  and  Shelbume)  which  last  was  remark* 
able  as  being  the  great  resort  of  the  tories  during  the  revolutionarf 
war.  In  1783  it  contained  600  families;  but  it  has  since  rapidly  de» 
^ined,  the  greater  part  of  its  inhabitants  having  returned  to^the 
Xlnited  States. 

The  other  British  poesessioos  are  of  very  little  Jropofttnee. 


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til*  iMMwfW  k  m^ttiA  hutmm  Nofa  ficc^  and  NtwisvitfliiAe 
iM  it  dlvidBi  froi«  the  fifrmer  b<r«  vorjr  narrow  ttrait.  It  M^ 
inilM  1ol%t%«Mut  80b«Md.  SMw  fUiwUe  Iwdi  «f  c««l  l»if 
been  iband  in  it,  and  the  Uland  is  well  wateMd  wkh  mnll  ttammmi  t 
Mft  Che  aotl  ituMi^teacnied  at  a  mere  wmm,  and  unfit  for  euhimiM. 
«lie  cllMMiie  ia  eoM  attd^igDr.  f  lie  atottienMntt  aie  teif  tliHillrf 
lM»1iiMMtaHla  fe*  in  ««iaiJbef»  lliefiinelpal  towaa  aie  Sldq^r^Mli 
llMiAiirg^  €lie  trade  ctMaliia  akiMMis'i>hBilf*of  fiirs«nA4l»ip^ 
4iea^tlie':fliAiei«aa.    -"''  >:'^ 

?fTlw  iiland  ef  ^.  JMm  h  60  milea  tangwid  90  beoed,«nd  cealrfiia 
t^pen  the  liiHki  of  die  ttieiBia.    "&»  chief  «««  !• 


u^UfiMfretii  ia  a  liamB  pdMiabiitii  laheid,  I  ao  ^ailea  lem^  ibf  40 
bliia^iit^illMHn  »hft4Bi»ith  of  fbe  riror  gt  Iiawenee* 

Nbwfou»i»i.aiio  ia  an  island  aituated  on  the  eaMiflde«i^ 
glUttli  oE  Si»  l4iwniM%  liatween  nhtlfa  latlMd^ 
iKfH^  i^  iMliiitsi  ««**  f Of  and  «ftf  18^  nealiepsitudei  k  ia  -Mm 
Ifilia  lia^aBi ^ato«t  Ifit  hroei;  HiM  toih  lei%th:«B|i^Be«llli  turn 
ie»yjiineyialy'-  It  it  an^eet  to  dMaiiul  8ieiraia^aiii'ii|inMMjtieoft» 
ii|Btl|^:'%viale|iei  ia;fcg%  aJwwhjiipltdMtaeaei  la^lanhtyAhaiiiiy 
•tii^tiw  hMbitants  ere  iftw» owti  ihif^tf  iJe»q<Ml«a iJMtiifiahrtie* 
9he «li«r'l»iviMMre-|it'i^hii%'iKlaciBlia,  nd^lknavistB.  ^  ':  <;.  I 
jfiffiM  Mlaptaig'eannMBy  ef  the  ]ie^«ltliiii  and  taade  of  CiMhfrlt 


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ACCOUNT  OF  THE   MOST   I^IPORTANT   PLACES 
ALONG  THE  LlA       IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


*¥ 


MichiimackinaCi  or  Mackinaw  is  the  most  northern  miUtary  post  in 
the  United  States.  It  is  situated  on  an  island  in  a  strait  which  pM* 
aes  from  lake  Huron  to  lake  Michigan.  The  island  is  about  9  miles 
in  circumference,  and  the  strait  in  which  it  is  situated  about  7  miles 
wide. 

Michilimackinac  han  been  for  several  years  the  emporium  of  trade 
for  the  waters  of  lake  Michigan  and  the  Illinois  rivers,  Kaskaskias, 
and  the  Mississippi ;  which,  until  within  a  few  years,  was  carried  on 
alte^ther  1^  merchants  of  Montreal,  in  Upper  Canacb,  who  con* 
ducted  this  trade  by  means  of  factors,  who  here  met  the  most  con- 
siderable Indian  traders  from  the  westward  and  southward,  in  the 
spring  of  every  year ;  and  here  they  bartered  their  several  common 
dities,the  manu&ctures  of  Europe  for  the  peltries  of  the  uncivilised 
regions.  This  fiair  lasted  about  two  months,  and  the  parties  separat- 
ed usually  about  July,  returning,  the  traders  to  the  Indian  tribes,  and 
the  factors  with  their  cargoes  to  Montreal*. 

Chicago,  recently  called  Fort  Dearborn,  is  an  Indian  Cictory  of  the 
United  States,  on  the  margin  of  lake  Michigan,  at  the  nortli-west 
curve ;  and  the  Illinois  river  has  its  source  in  the  high  ground  e 
short  dutance  from  lake  Michigan.  The  Wabash  is  due  south  of  a 
central  Une  drawn  through  Michigan,  and  Tippacanoe  may  be  about 
(N)  miles  from  the  same  point  due  southf.   ' 

DxTHoiT  b  the  capital  of  the  Michigan  territory,  and  is  a  large 
thriving  town,  containing  300  or  400  hwises,  and  is  rapidly  in- 
creasing. 

The  fortification  here  was  originally  a  compact  square  work,  regu- 
larly constructed,  and  havmg  quarters  to  accommodate  350  men.  But 
these  works  had  &Ucn  to  decay,  and  in  1807,  when  the  last  particu- 
lar information  was  acquired,  it  had  been  put  into  a  state  of  repair  l^ 
governor  Hull.  The  position  had  been  chosen  without  skill,  the 
foot  of  the  scarp  being  more  than  200  rods  from  the  river,  and  the 
tiown  actually  between  the  river  and  the  fort.  The  only  advantage 
•  Aurora.  f  IWtl. 


12 

of  this  fort  appears  to  be  that  of  an  entrenchment  as  a  security 
against  surprise,  and  its  being  perfectly  safe  from  the  range  of  shot 
from  the  Canadian  side  of  tile  strait,  or  from  vessels  on  the  water. 

The  works  are  earth  with  a  double  stockade,  or  lines  of  pickets. 
Spacious  barracks  were  erected  by  governor  Hull  in  1806,  and  a 
line  of  pickets  was  constructed  at  the  same  time  round  the  houses 
and  two  block  houses.  Some  heavy  guns  were  brouglit  thither  dur- 
ing the  administration  of  John  Adams,  but  what  their  condition  has 
been  since  we  have  not  heard,  but  no  doubt  they  are  comprehended 
in  the  late  capitulation*.  By  the  fall  of  Michilimackinac  and  the 
surrender  of  Detroit,  upwards  of  3000  miles  of  frontier  are  exposed 
to  the  brutality  of  the  Indians.  A  naval  force  possessing  the  com- 
mand of  the  lakes  would  cut  ofF  at  once  these  supplies,  by  which  the 
Indian  tribes  are  retained  in  arms ;  the  march  of  the  western  yeo- 
manry upon  the  Indian  territory,  and  the  destruction  of  their  towns, 
would  quiet  immediately,  or  force  the  Indians  within  the  Canadian 
lines,  where  they  would  become  more  terrible  to  their  allies  than  to 
the  United  States,  and  the  surrender  of  the  garrisons  upon  the  lakes 
would  be  the  effect  of  the  general  co-operation  throughout  ttie  whole 
of  the  western  frontier,  on  the  lakes,  and  on  the  Cadaraquif. 

JBrownatovfn  is  a  small  settlement  nearly  opposite  to  Maiden,  and 
16  miles  from  Detroit. 

Frenchtown  is  a  thriving  village  on  Raisin  river,  24  miles  south- 
west of  Brownstown. 

Miami  river  and  fort  is  situated  38  miles  south-west  of  French- 
town.  There  are  fine  pi-airies  on  the  river,  with  very  high  grass, 
extending  a  mile  on  each  side.  The  country  is  uncommonly  fertilet 
and  the  water  is  pure  and  beautiful.  The  Indian  claim  to  the  lands 
is  not  yet  extinguished :  when  it  is,  it  is  presumed  this  will  become 
one  of  the  most  extensive  settlements  in  the  United  States. 

Miami  Old  Fort  exists  only  in  name,  but  is  important  as  being  the 
situation  where  the  great  road  to  Detroit  crosses  the  Miami  river. 

Sanduafry  bay  is  the  uest  harbour  on  lake  Erie,  but  the  entrance  is 
somewhat  difficult.  Sandusky  river  is  navigable  only  a  few  miles 
into  tlie  interior  of  the  country.  The  lands  both  on  the  river  and  bay 
are  excellent,  and  the  country  is  settling  up  very  rapidly.  Sandusky 
river  is  30  roilcB  from  the  Miami  old  fort. 

•  Aurora.  f  Ibid. 


k 


Ji-'il- 


rs; 


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Cleveland  is  situau  d  at  tlie  mouth  of  the  Cayahoga  river,  76  mile* 
from  Sandusky  bay.  The  founders  have  probably  been  impressed 
with  a  belief  that  it  would  be  u  place  of  great  importance,  for  it  it 
dignified  with  the  name  of  city,  although  it  contains  only  16  dweliing- 
houses,  2  taverns,  3  stores,  and  1  school.  There  is  a  little  trade  in 
salt,  and  sometimes  a  little  in  flour,  pork,  and  whisky ;  but  the  whole 
is  trifling,  and  will  probably  continue  so  until  a  harbour  be  formed 
at  the  mouth  of  the  river. 

Jirie  is  situated  on  the  south  bank'  of  Lake  Erie,  100  miles  east 

from  Cleveland,  and  115  north  of  Pittsburgh.    A  small  peninsula 

runs  into  the  lake  opposite  the  town,  and  forms  a  natural  harbour, 

but  the  entrance  is  choaked  up  by  a  sand  bar,  and  vessels  have  to  lie 

'  i 
on  the  outside  of  the  harbour  exposed  to  the  weather. 

The  town  is  regularly  laid  out,  in  a  beautiful  and  healthy  situation, 

but  it  is  not  increasing.     It  contains  about  76  houses,  mostly  built 

of  wood,  but  several  of  them  are  uninhabited.    The  number  of  inha- 

bitants  is  395.    The  public  buildings  are  a  court-house,  jail,  and 

school.    There  are  three  taverns  and  three  stores,  and  a  number  of 

tradesmen  are  employed  ;  but  th6  place  appears  dull.     Untii  of  late 

tlie  town  was  supported  by  the  salt  trade ;  but  that  has  very  much 

declined,  in  consequence  of  so  much  of  the  lower  country  being  now 

supplied  by  the  Kanhaway  works. 

Buffalo  is  handsomely  situated  at  the  east  end  of  Lake  Erie,  where 
it  commands  a  beautiful  view  of  the  lake,  of  Upper  Canada,  and 
Fort  Erie,  and  a  great  distance  to  the  southward,  which  is  termina- 
ted  by  an  elevated  lofty  coiuitry.  The  scite  of  the  town  extends  quite 
to  the  lake  shore,  but  it  is  principally  built  on  an  enunence  of  about 
30  feet,  at  a  little  distance;  and  to  the  south,  along  Buffalo  creek, 
are  handsome  bottom  k>ts>  which  are  at  present  a  little  m-irshy,  but 
will,  when  drained,  be  most  valuable  appendages  to  this  very  beauti- 
ful  place, 

Buffalo  was  laid  out  for  a  town  about  six  years  ago,  and  is  regu- 
larly disposed  in  streets  and  lots.  The  lots  are  from  60  to  100  feet 
deep,  and  sell  for  from  35  to  50  dollars ;  and  there  are  out-lots  of  S 
Und  10  acres,  worth  at  present  from  10  to  25  dollars  per  acre.  The 
population  was  by  last  census  365,  it  is  now  computed  at  500,  and  is 
n^ly  increasing. 

The  buildings  are  mostly  of  wood,  painted  white,  but  there  is  a 


V 


1' 


,m"- 


14 

good  number  of  brick  houses^  and  some  few  of  »ton«.  Thert  tre  4 
lUivems,  8  stores,  3  schools ;  and  a  weekly  newspaper  hat  been  i«- 
cently  published.  The  town  is  as  yet  too  new  for  the  introductioii 
i)f  any  manufactures^  except  those  of  the  domestic  kind.  TIm 
greater  part  of  the  people  are  farmers  and  mechanics. 

The  settlers  here  are  mosUy  from  the  New  England  sUtctt  bttl, 
the  town  being  in  the  great  thoroughfare  to  tlic  western  cpuntrjr* 
there  is  a  general  mixture.  A  considerable  trade  is  constantly  kept 
up  by  the  influx  and  reflux  of  strangers,  and  such  articles  as  are  ne- 
cessary for  their  accommodation  are  dear.  House-rent  ia  from  3  to 
30  dollars  per  week,  wood  is  1  dollar  per  cord,  flour  7  dollars  per 
barrel,  pork  6  dollars  per  cwt.  Fish  are  very  plenty  aw)  cheap. 
Boarding  is  about  3  dollars  per  week. 

The  situation  is  quite  healthy,  and  the  seasons  are  much  more 
mild  than  might  be  expected  in  that  northern  latitude ;  the  efftci 
of  the  southerly  winds  is  very  apparent  here. 

Black  Jiock  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Niagara  river,  two 
miles  and  a  half  from  Buffalo.  It  is  a  considerable  settlement,  Mid 
many  good  stone  houses  have  recently  been  built*  Tha  river  is 
here  about  a  mile  broad,  and  is  seen  issuing  from  the  lake  as  clear 
as  crystal.  Before  CTie  war  a  ferry-boat  plyed  across  the  river,  and 
there  was  a  great  intercourse  with  the  British  settlements  on  the 
opposite  side.  There  is  a  small  island  a  little  above  Black  Rock, 
below  which  is  pretty  good  anchorage  for  shipping,  but  it  is  rather 
an  inconvenient  »tation,  on  account  of  the  rapidity  of  the  current.  U 
is  proposed  to  build  a  pier  in  the  lake,  at  the  outlet  of  Buffalo  creek* 
which,  if  accomplished,  will  form  a  good  harbour  at  that  place. 

Grand  JViagara  is  a  small  village  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Niagaru 
river,  immediately  above  the  falls,  and  nearly  opposite  to  Chippaway. 
It  was  laid  out  for  a  town  a  few  years  ago,  and  contuns  a  number  of 
dwelling-houses,  a  grist-mill,  a  saw-mill,  a  fulling-mill,  a  carding 
and  roving  machine,  and  several  mills  and  machinery  are  project- 
ed. The  water  is  brought  out  of  the  river  above  the  ra{»ds,  and  at 
the  source  is  inexhaustible,  and  the  h\l  above  50  feet,  mills  and  ma- 
chinery to  a  very  great  extent  can  be  erected  here,  and  this  will 
probably  become  a  very  large  settlement 

Lewiatovm  is  situated  eight  miles  below  the  falls,  on  the  east  bank 
•f  the  Niaga*  r.  river,  opposite  Quceastowo.  It  is  laid  out  on  a  bm^- 


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some  plat)}  occupying;  a  mile  square,  and  a  considerable  piece  of 
ground  is  appropriated  to  public  purposes.  It  is  subdivided  into 
blocks  of  three  chains,  each  containing  three  lots,  and  they  sell  at 
present  for  from  100  to  300  dollars.  It  is  gradually  building  up 
inrith  brick,  frame,  and  stone  houses ;  and  it  is  well  supplied  with 
fine  water,  which  renders  it  very  comfortable.  Being  at  the  bottom 
of  the  portage,  on  the  American  side,  it  is  the  seat  of  considerable 
trade,  which  is  likely  to  increase.  Twenty  vessels  belong  to  the  lake 
navigation  here,  and  2300  bushels  of  salt  were  landed  at  Lewistown 
in  18  U.  The  quantity  of  flour,  grain,  provisions,  and  peltry  that 
are  shipped  is  considerable ;  and  for  every  article  of  produce  there 
is  a  brisk  demand,  and  a  good  price.  Wheat  sells  for  1  dollar  per 
bushel,  flour  7  dollars  per  barrel,  pork  6  dollars  per  barrel.  The 
country  is  improving  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  land  is  worth  from 
seven  to  nine  dollars  per  acre.  Merino  sheep  have  been  introduced, 
and  are  doing  well ;  and  there  are  considerable  domestic  manufac* 
cures,  though  none  on  a  large  scale. 

The  river  below  this  holds  a  placid,  though  pretty  rapid  course,  to 
the  lake,  the  surface  being  only  1 5  or  30  feet  below  the  banks ;  and 
it  is  from  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  a  mile  wide ;  but  above  this, 
St  is  confined  within  a  narrow  channel,  the  motion  is  accelerated  to  a 
^at  velocity,  and  it  is  rough  and  turbulent,  the  probable  effect  of 
a  vtiry  ragged  bottom,  which  the  falls  would  make  in  their  ascent. 
The  banks,  nearly  perpendicular,  are  about  300  feet  high,  and  com- 
posed of  a  hard  limestone  above,  and  schistus  below ;  and  this  ar- 
rangement continues  all  the  way  to  the  present  fall. 

Fort  MHagara  is  situated  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Niagara  river^ 
where  it  falls  into  Lake  Ontario,  eight  miles  Ijelow  Lewistown.  It 
is  an  old  French  fort,  with  antiquated  buildings,  and  the  works  are 
going  rapidly  to  decay.  Fort  George  is  nearly  opposite  to  it,  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river,  and  being  more  elevated  has  the  command  of 
it,  so  that  it  has  not  been  considered  a  matter  of  importance  to  keep 
it  in  repsdr. 

The  view  from  this  place  is  very  elegant.  To  the  north  is  Lake 
Ontario,  with  York,  the  capital  pf  Upper  Canada,  handsomely  situ- 
iled  near  the  west  end  of  it ;  to  mc  north-west  is  the.  outlet  of  the  rt- 
fW  with  the  bar  and  breakers;  to  the  west  Newark,  handsomely  situ- 
ttfid  on  the  west  side  of  the  river,  with  the  garrison  at  the  upper 


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Mid  the  liglit>hou»c  at  ihc  lower  end  of  ii.  Tlie  river  is  about  half 
a  mile  broad)  and  the  water  perfectly  pure.  Iti  course  is  nearly 
north,  but  it  makes  a  small  bend  to  the  north-west,  immediately  be- 
fore it  fulls  into  the  lake.  It  is  30  feet  deep,  and  runs  at  the  rate  of 
about  three  miles  an  hour,  from  which  we  may  calculate  the  dis- 
charge of  water  to  be  128  millions  of  gallons  per  minute ;  but  great 
as  the  quantity  is,  it  is  only  about  a  45th  part  of  that  discharged  by 
the  Mississippi.  There  arc  two  bars  at  the  outlet.  The  water  on 
the  outer  bar  is  24  feet  deep,  on  the  inner  bar  about  1 8.  The  banks 
are  from  20  to  30  feet  high,  and  the  country  on  both  sides  perfectly 
level.  Towards  the  south  the  view  of  the  river  is  very  splendid,  and 
is  beautifully  tcrnunated  by  the  high  lands  above  Quecnstown  and 
Lewisiown. 

Oswego  is  situated  at  the  outlet  of  Oswego  river,  on  the  south-cast 
side  of  liake  Ontario,  and  consists  of  about  40  dwelling-houses  and 
stores.  It  was  regularly  laid  out  by  the  state  of  New  York,  which 
reserved  a  part  of  the  military  townsliip  of  Hannibal  for  this  pur- 
pose. The  town  has  been  made  a  port  of  entry,  and  is  principally 
supported  by  the  salt  trade. 

Fort  Oswego  is  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  directly 
opposite  the  town,  and  is  a  commanding  situation.  The  British  were 
fully  impressed  with  the  advantageous  situation  of  this  fort,  and  ac- 
cordingly spared  neither  labour  nor  Qxpence  in  keeping  it  in  com- 
plete order ;  but  since  the  surrender  to  the  American  government, 
the  works  have  nearly  gone  to  ruin. 

Immediately  opposite  to  the  fort,  at  present  included  in  the  town- 
plat,  are  the  remains  of  an  old  French  fortification;  and  about  half  a 
mile  distant  from  the  town,  are  likewise  to  be  seen  the  ruins  of  some 
other  ancient  fortifications,  the  founders  of  which  are  long  since  lost 
to  the  memory  of  the  natives*. 

Socket's  Harbour  is  situated  at  the  east  end  of  Lake  Ontario, 
about  16  miles  from  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  consists  of  a  num- 
ber of  large  and  elegant  modern-built  houses  and  out-houses,  gene- 
rally superior  to  what  they  are  in  the  old  vilUges.  The  village  was 
originally  laid  out  in  half  acre  lots,  but  many  of  them  are  subdivided ; 
and  such  has  been  the  rapidity  of  the  settlement,  that  these  lots  now 
sell  for  from  250  to  1200  dollars ;  and  one  of  them,  which  was  givefi 
,  •  Schultz's  Travels. 


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m  a  present  to  *■      of  the  first  settlers,  to  induce  hiar  to  i(0  int  j  tlic 
wilderness,  was  ^t«:ly  sold  at  1450  dollars.  ^^ 

The  harbour  is  formed  by  a  peninsula  of  limestone  '04;;V,^in  many 
places  not  more  than  one  rod  wide,  which  perfectly  sh«lt<>rti«  jilieet 
of  water  containini;  about  10  acres.  The  land  fronting  the  liarboMr 
is  elevated  about  30  feet;  and  on  each  side  of  the  harbour  tlr;  !)i(ikA 
are  of  limestone,  about  30  or  30  feet  perpendicular,  which,  ftTi^t 
the  water,  resembles  the  walls  of  an  ancient  fortiPicatiun.  From  th 
village  there  is  one  of  the  most  variegated,  extensive,  and  beautituji 
prospects  any  where  to  be  seen :  the  lake,  distant  islands,  main  land, 
and  outlets  of  rivers  are  all  beautiful,  and  the  scene  is  continually 
enlivened  with  vessels  and  boats;  while  the  wharfs,  warehouses,  and 
stores,  exhibit  un  appearance  very  much  resembling  a  sea  poll  on 
the  Atlantic. 

Sacket's  Harbour  has  for  several  years  been  a  port  of  entry,  and 
It  is  in  contemplation  to  establish  a  navy-yard,  arsenal,  and  fortifica- 
tion fiar  protecting  the  trade  on  the  lake.  Before  the  war  there  was 
a  ferry  between  this  place  and  Kingston,  in  Upper  Canada,  distant 
36  miles,  with  which  there  was  a  great  intercourse.  The  trade  has 
been  encreasing  every  year  since  its  first  settlement.  In  1811  there 
were  upwards  of  40  vessels  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  the  quantity  of 
wheat,  flour,  beef,  pork,  ashes,  and  lumber,  that  were  a;inually  ex- 
ported to  Montreal  by  the  Cadaraqui,  or  St.  Lawrence  river,  was 
very  great. 

There  are  several  villages  along  the  south  bank  of  the  Cadaraqui 
river,  of  which  Ogdentburg  is  the  chief;  and  there  are  a  number 
along  the  lines  in  the  states  of  New  York,  Vermont,  and  New 
Hampshire ;  but  they  are  of  no  great  importance ;  and  as  there  is 
no  probability  of  the  seat  of  war  being  removed  from  the  St.  Law* 
fence  and  lakes,  a  description  of  them  is  unnecessary  in  this  place. 
I  shall  therefore  close  this  account  by  a  short  glance  at  the  naviga- 
tion of  these  extensive  waters. 

Lake  Erie  and  the  waters  above  it  are  navigated  by  vessels  of 
from  70  to  80  tons,  which  carry  goods  and  provisions  up  the  lakes 
as  far  as  the  head  of  Lake  Superior,  and  bring  back  furs  and  peltry. 
The  navigation  is  good  to  the  head  of  Lake  Superior,  except  in 
Lake  St.  Clair,  where  the  water  is  shallow,  and  vessels  are  some- 
tiaies  obliged  to  lighten. 

The  principal  ports  on  the  American  side  are  MichiHmackinac, 


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I  the  AiMtiouM  had  «r  Uke  JM*  I  brif,  •  MhowMN^ 
iloo|M}  aad  the  Briath  l  brig,  f  lehoonBn,  «id  I  vlMllfe ii 
One  of  tlMin,  the  QoMo  Clwrlottet  of  it  gone,  inui  MH  l|^ 
nmuncroriMo,  In  expectetiflo  of*  w»rwMithe  tMli4  Silii^ 
^tlkeie  lakes  ediriit  ef  the  meet  extewlte  UUut  ttaHgiliottii  lb* 
#(itMi  The  fttgee  ef  it  npwanh  from  BQflhl6»  ■(  the  ent  end  ttf 
Lake  &iie,  nmjr  be  thai  noticed.  To  Erie  100  o^ee;  flMBce  t» 
•nM  Rirer  70 ;  to  C«]rtho({a  Rirer  90 ;  to  Sndmky-bejr  ST  i  te 
lllliini^45;  to  Maiden  4S;  to  Detroit  19;  toL«ke  StCtaIr  lU 
ttreugh  Lake  St.  Clah*  40;  through  Huron  Wmr  40;  thfOOgH 
Lake  Horpn  to  Michilfanackuiac  atraita  190 ;  thence  to  Lake  Snpe^ 
tinr  IpO }  and  tkioogh  Lake  Superior  upurards  of  SOO  taSin,  M^ 
In  that  direction  lOSC  mllea.  Then  Sake  Michigan  ia  mAffhlib 
ftom  the  atraita  downwarda  SOO  miles,  and  from  tiienee  there  af« 
fm  portages,  to  the  Misaisaippi  rifer;  after  palling  which  thert  H 
A  comj^ete  naTtgation  to  New  Orieam.  . 

Front  Lake  ^rie  there  are  4  pdrligea  to  the  OMe  river;  Mfte 
Ibpi  Erio  to  French  creek,  a  btanch  of  the  Allegan)^;  ene  ftoeii  the 
CJiH|diega  ft^  to  the  Tescarawa,  atrsnch  of  the  Mvskifagnm ;  on« 
lltiiii  the  Sandusky  river  to  the  great  Mbml;  «id  one  from  M 
IkOami  of  the  flakes  to  the  Wabash.  ' 

The  ^vigation  from  Buffiilo  downwards  is  bf  the  ibllo'i^ 
M^ee.  To  ibct  SchMaser^  above  the  fidh,  30  miiea ;  (hw  tkmi^ 
#e  land  portage  round  the  fidls  and  t^s  fa  10  itdfiBS  to  l^iH^ 
iHnMI;  than  the  navigation  Is  coalinoed  8  miles  to  Lake  Onwldil 
'tlHfongll  the  hke  to  Kingston  IfO  miles;  to  Mbntled  06 j  ti 
^^netet  1^0 ;  and  fhence  to  the  Gulph  of  St.  Lafrreiiee  Stor  nlieii 
^i|Q^«<»  miles ;  which  being  added  to  tHl  naVigsiHon  tiWtt  Mhi^ 
rijpilids,  makes  1904  miles  of  an  inlind  nivigatian,  tb  liM^  lpit| 
i$mMltimAa  ohatrttction;^xee)>t  the  laHs'ind  rii|fida  df  Midkini^  ^ 

Vfom  hence  it  will  bci  eieen  of  what  Iniitorindi^  H  ii  M 
wpBiio^^i||gsi  mroa  on  we  iana«    rvom  tne  ene^jmiy 
ataea,  theyan^Hniiiaiidiie 
at  Qoebec ;  but  the  ^iMifsiM^ 


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